4-H Draft Horse Information

Draft horses truly are gentle giants.

Draft horses are tall, heavy-boned and muscular with short backs and strong hindquarters. Their upright shoulders make their conformation well suited for hauling heavy loads. Behind the draft horse's sheer power and size is a gentle giant perfectly suited for riding and exhibition. In recent years, the draft horse has found its way into 4-H clubs nationwide, and into the hearts of 4-H exhibitors.

Draft Horse Judging

Draft horse characteristics include its massiveness and ability to haul heavy loads. Not known for speed, draft horses typically enter the ring at a walk and shown no faster than a trot. Judges observe quality and substance, such as well-defined joints and tendons, refined head and ears, fine skin and hair, and silky feathers when present. They look for shoulders that blend into smooth withers, straight knees, well-defined cannons, oblique pasterns and several other desirable qualities that set one horse apart from the group.

Handler Presentation

Handlers are judged on appearance.

The 4-H draft horse exhibitor is neat, clean and quietly dressed. Properly fitted attire, not too loose or too tight, is required. The judge immediately looks for handler recognition, indicated with a nod and smile upon entering the ring.

Horse Presentation

The draft horse main should be neatly braided.

The 4-H draft horse is free from dirt, dust, dandruff, straw and bedding. The mane, at the very least, is combed, thinned and shortened. The desired mane and tail are clean and neatly braided. The feet are clean and trimmed with properly fitting shoes.

Halter Class

Halter classes begin with the handler leading the horse into the ring at a either a walk or trot. Either the ringmaster or judge will request gait changes at her discretion. Horse and handler move in a brisk, alert manner while in the show ring, always making an effort to acknowledge the judge.

Hitch Class

Judges observe the entire hitch, from horse to equipment to driver, upon entering the ring. The handler must maintain control of the hitch team at all times, which includes allowing space between hitches in the ring. Hitch drivers pay close attention to the judge and ringmaster as they signal gait and direction changes.

Cart Class

4-H draft horse cart classes are judged solely on driving ability, very similar to the hitch classes. Drivers dress appropriately, wearing boots rather than shoes. The judge expects well mannered, easy to handle horses in the 4-H show ring. The driver again acknowledges the judge and listens for changes in direction or gait.

Safety

Most state 4-H associations have adopted a safety policy insisting 4-H horse members use helmets. Mounted activities require properly fastened ASTM/SEI approved protective headgear be worn at all times. Helmet use is mandatory at all times a rider is mounted. Some states insist upon approved helmets for all equine activities, whether the handler is mounted, driving or on the ground.

References

• Washington State University Extension: Draft Horse Handbook
• Darke County Extension Office: Horse Helmet Policy